Name: Constance Mietus
Hometown: Kimball, Neb.
Program/Year: M.D./Ph.D. Scholars Program, G1
Education:
High School: Kimball County High School
Undergrad: University of Pennsylvania; Majors: biology, psychology; Minor: chemistry
Activities:
Research allows you to constantly learn, teach, and expand the frontiers of biomedical science, which I believe ultimately allows us to improve treatments for our patients. I love research, and am very fortunate to work with several fantastic mentors.
With Dr. Pipinos and Dr. Casale, I have the opportunity to explore the role of cytokines and microvascular changes in peripheral artery disease. With Dr. Aizenberg, I have the opportunity to learn about rare brain tumor types and advancing our knowledge in their treatment strategies.
I also enjoy being involved in several student groups. Over the past two years, I have been involved in launching a student-run literary journal, PenLight. Our goal is to encourage the humanistic side of medical training, and we welcome literary and artistic submissions from all health care disciplines at UNMC (send to: penlight.unmc@gmail.com).
I love bicycling and have joined a dynamic group of cycling enthusiasts at the UNMC Cycling Club. We look forward to the warmer months of spring where we will get together for group rides and events that promote bicycle safety and awareness. I’m also a member of SIGN, PsIG, and the Neuroscience Interest Group, and it’s been a great experience working with faculty and residents within the neurosciences.
Hobbies:
I am a huge travel and culinary enthusiast. I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, and I have won several cooking contests, with my signature banana caramel pie being a delectable favorite.
I believe there is something magical about experiencing diverse cultures that awakens you to different ways of looking at and living life.
I also enjoy learning languages, of which I’ve studied Polish, Spanish, Japanese, and German.
One of my favorite things to do is to experience contemporary art. The summer between M1 and M2 year, Vanna, one of my closest friends, and I arranged an entire road trip around visiting Jeff Koons’ "Michael Jackson and Bubbles," as well as several national parks.
Staying Balanced:
I am very lucky to have amazing friends and family that continuously inspire me. I don’t think that I’d be here today without the encouragement and support they’ve given me! I also find a lot of relaxation in biking, running, yoga and dance.
Three things people don't know about me:
1. I don’t know why this always surprises people, but I was a cheerleader in high school.
2. I am an aspiring yogi.
3. I have ridden across Nebraska on a fixed gear bike.